Is Beauty Only Skin Deep?

O children of Adam, we have provided you with garments to cover your bodies, as well as for luxury. But the best garment is the garment of righteousness. These are some of God’s signs, that they may take heed. [7:26]

God has given everybody different qualities. He has also provided some people more than others. Some have become so self-indulgent that they spend time and money on whatever they think will improve their appearance. This kind of superficial beauty is worthless unless it is accompanied by other qualities. Those must include the correct perspective about who we are, who our Creator is, and what our real goal in this life is. We read in Sura Joseph about the temptation of physical beauty. Joseph fled the household of the person who had hired him and spent years in prison rather than succumb and violate God’s laws. I recently heard from a former colleague who told me she was terminated because she didn’t dress appropriately for the rich clients who use the services of her agency.

What happens when the youthful beauty this society values so much turns to gray hair, and there is no longer the youthfulness, vitality and vigor expected of youth? Believers know that the qualities of righteousness, steadfastness, and perseverance are the inner qualities that really matter. The other type of beauty is only skin-deep and may reflect an inner ugliness. How much better to match good

looks with an unfaded inner beauty. People can change their personality and way of thinking. God gives us steps in the Quran on how to do this. Quran talks about love towards others, joy, peace, long service and self-control. We need to be appreciative of all the blessings God has given us. Wives should have deep respect for their husbands, and husbands should have deep respect for their wives. Wives and husbands should fulfill their responsibilities in a patient and loving manner. This is inner beauty.

In Quran we are told that one’s material possessions are temporary vanities of this world, and completely unimportant in the sight of God. The only thing that matters is righteousness, and this is the only thing that will make you better than someone else. People who are ruthless, materialistic and uncaring about their fellow-man often enjoy temporary success, by God’s will. However, this is only in this world, and only temporarily. This outer garment is a vanishing entity. Yet, people spend an entire lifetime trying to improve it, protect it, beautify it. They spend little time nourishing their soul, the real person which will last through all eternity. Here are some verses from the Quran to reflect on:

Whatever you are given is no more than temporary material of this life. What God possesses is far better and everlasting, for those who believe and trust in their Lord. [42:36]

O people, we created you from the same male and female, and rendered you distinct peoples and tribes, that you may recognize one another. The best among you in the sight of God is

the most righteous. God is Omniscient, Cognizant. [49:13]

You shall not covet the qualities bestowed upon each other by God; the men enjoy certain qualities, and the women enjoy certain qualities. You may implore God to shower you with His grace. God is fully aware of all things. [4:32]

Do not be impressed by their money or their children; God causes these to be sources of misery for them in this world, and their souls depart as disbelievers. [9:85]

“Use the provisions bestowed upon you by God to seek the abode of the Hereafter, without neglecting your share in this world. Be charitable, as God has been charitable towards you. Do not keep on corrupting the earth. God does not love the corruptors.” [28:77]

He is the One who made you inheritors of the earth, and He raised some of you above others in rank, in order to test you in accordance with what He has given you. Surely your Lord is efficient in enforcing retribution, and He is Forgiver, Most Merciful. [6:165]

God has provided for some of you more than others. Those who are given plenty would never give their properties to their subordinates to the extent of making them partners. Would they give up God’s blessings? [16:71]

The life of this world is no more than illusion and vanity, while the abode of the Hereafter is far better for the righteous…. [6:32]

Frank

[reprinted from July 1994]